As the United Rugby Championship final approaches, Leinster and the Bulls are gearing up for an epic showdown at Croke Park. Both teams have a rich history in the competition, but neither has lifted the trophy in recent years. This weekend, a new champion will be crowned.

Leinster, with eight previous titles under their belt, have not tasted victory since the arrival of the South African franchises in 2021. On the other hand, the Bulls have come close to glory in the past, falling short in the final on two occasions. Will it be third time lucky for Jake White's side?

RADIO, ONLINE, AND TV COVERAGE

For fans eager to follow the action, RTÉ Radio 1 will provide live commentary of the Leinster vs Bulls clash. Additionally, a live blog on www.rte.ie/sport will offer updates, match reports, and reactions. The game will be televised on TG4 and Premier Sports, with kick-off at 5pm. Viewers can also stream the match on URC.tv.

WEATHER AND PREVIEW

Weather conditions for the final are expected to be unpredictable, with sunshine and showers forecast throughout the day. Despite the home advantage for Leinster, recent finals have seen the away team emerge victorious. The Bulls hold a 4-2 head-to-head record against Leinster, with both teams vying for their first URC title.

The Bulls, in scintillating form with eight consecutive wins, will look to maintain their momentum against a formidable Leinster side. While the Irish province has lost key players to injury, they will rely on experienced campaigners to deliver on the big stage.

TEAM LINEUPS

Leinster will be without stars like Hugo Keenan and Tadhg Furlong, but the return of Josh van der Flier and Garry Ringrose will bolster their lineup. The Bulls, making just one change, will be without Cameron Hanekon but will field a strong side led by Marcell Coetzee.

Both head coaches, Leo Cullen and Jake White, have emphasized the importance of playing their best rugby on the day. With the stage set for an enthralling final, fans can expect a fiercely contested battle between two top URC teams.

WHAT THEY SAID

Leo Cullen stressed the need to focus on performance rather than the outcome, while Jake White highlighted the challenge of sustaining top form in the closing stages of the competition.

PREVIOUS MEETINGS

• Bulls 21-20 Leinster, 22 March 2025 (Loftus Versfeld)
• Bulls 25-20 Leinster, 15 June 2024 (Loftus Versfeld)
• Leinster 47-14 Bulls, 29 March 2024 (RDS)
• Bulls 62-7 Leinster, 22 April 2023 (Loftus Versfeld)
• Leinster 26-27 Bulls, 10 June 2022 (RDS)
• Leinster 31-3 Bulls, 5 September 2021 (Aviva Stadium)

With the stage set for an epic final, rugby fans around the world are eagerly anticipating the clash between Leinster and the Bulls. Who will emerge victorious and etch their name into URC history? Don't miss the action this Saturday!